gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der ˈgən-ˌpau̇-dər 

: an explosive mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur used in gunnery and blasting

broadly : any of various powders used in guns as propelling charges

Examples of gunpowder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The massive site near De Soto was once home to a factory that produced gunpowder for artillery shells in World War II and rocket propellants during the Vietnam War. —Hannah Wise, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026

The furnace produced more than 800 cannons during the war, and the gunpowder and cannonballs used to fire at British troops were made in villages throughout Connecticut. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026

The strong smell of gunpowder hung in the air. —Michael Collins, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026

For guests in the back of the venue, closer to the incident, the sound and smell of gunpowder are unmistakable. —Charles Forelle, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gunpowder

• chowder
• crowder
• louder
• prouder

Kids Definition

gunpowder

noun

gun·​pow·​der -ˌpau̇d-ər 

: an explosive mixture used in guns and blasting